Burning Smell? Pre ignition

I have a 2004 TD4 and i am getting a burning smell (like clutch). It isn't the clutch as i have tested and found out that on pre ignition the smell is present - so it is electrical. The engine is cold so it i am thinking it could be reversed polarity? however i haven't touched any of the sensors.

Thanks

Have a look under the bonnet at night with the ignition on - see if there is any arcing going on

Thanks,

Already checked for any shorting couldn't see any - think im going to have to play the guessing game and get all the resistances for the sensors in that area.

Had poor starting recently, 3 amigos pop up, and my AC fan unit was turning over erratically. Might all be linked!

Falk said:

Thanks,

Already checked for any shorting couldn't see any - think im going to have to play the guessing game and get all the resistances for the sensors in that area.

Had poor starting recently, 3 amigos pop up, and my AC fan unit was turning over erratically. Might all be linked!

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A bad earth can cause all sorts of random issues.

Try starting the engine and putting everything electrical on that you can.
Then put a jump lead between the battery negative and the engine block and see if it makes the lights brighter.
Also try a jump lead between the battery negative and the body itself.

Be very careful to only connect the battery earth - if you accidently do the live instead, there certainly would be a burning smell

I had a spare hour last night and got under the bonnet - did the easiest check of multimeter across the terminals - 12.17v!

New battery this weekend will hopefully sort it!